8.

Margo Hayes recently sent La Rambla 5.15a. Many women don’t want female firsts celebrated, but others say it’s important. Being one of Canada’s leading rock climbers, any thoughts? I think it’s i mportant for women to be celebrated especially in what has previously been a male dominated sport. Most guidebooks have men under “First Ascent,” which means they named it and determined the grade of the climb. When I started climbing, I was one of the f irst women ever on the youth team. It’s a growing sport and I think in order to keep that forward momentum that pushes people to be brave, it’s important to celebrate all the different levels of success.